Australia Arrives in Dubai; SA to depart for UAE for CT 2025 semifinal
Semifinal matchups depend on India vs. New Zealand clash; teams may return to Pakistan based on results
Australia lands in Dubai; South Africa to Follow for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal
Dubai [UAE], March 2 (ANI): The Australian cricket team has landed in Dubai in preparation for a potential semifinal clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while South Africa is set to fly to the UAE on Sunday, sources reported.
From Group B, South Africa and Australia have both guaranteed their places in the playoffs. However, the result of India vs. New Zealand, the last Group A match, which is set for Sunday in Dubai, will decide their respective opponents.
Possible Semifinal Scenarios
In accordance with ICC rules, New Zealand will play Group B winners South Africa, while India, assuming they win and win Group A, would play Australia, the second-ranked side from Group B.
On the other hand, India will play South Africa in the semifinals if New Zealand prevails and takes first place in Group A, where they would face Australia.
The location of the second semifinal will also be influenced by the India-New Zealand match outcome. Depending on the results, either Australia or South Africa will have to return to Pakistan for their semifinal fixture.
Tournament Format and Venue Adjustments
While Pakistan is the original host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India has opted to play its matches in Dubai under the hybrid model, citing security concerns as the reason for not traveling to Pakistan.
Squads for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Australia Squad:
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
New Zealand Squad:
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
The tournament now awaits the highly anticipated India-New Zealand encounter, which will shape the semifinal lineup and travel plans for the competing teams.
